Going through a divorce is something I would not wish on my worst enemy! Regardless of how you came to this point you must find a lawyer who can understand what is truly important to you. This is the most important first step. You then have to assess whether or not this person is willing and capable to meet you where you are and to address your needs. look no further!!! Read this whole post, but look no further!
Philip was my second attorney, yes I said second! It is only because his referral came after the time I needed to hire my first attorney. From the initial visit to final detail. Philip listened to my concerns and was prepared with the qualified team and resources to move my divorce forward in the manner needed. While he was honest with me that there were things done by my previous attorney that were some of the same things he would have done. He was able to move past that and share how he would proceed and who he would engage as a part of the team to make the changes needed on my divorce.
Philip's connections, respect from his peers, collaboration with other attorneys, push for experts and overall drive to make certain that the outcome was what I needed for me and my family was is ultimately what set him apart from others.
I interviewed 3 attorneys and put them all through the ringer of questions regarding legal situations, case law, study/evaluations, and true grit. Philip exceeded my expectations in the initial meeting. Shortly after bringing Philip onto my case, it was apparent that we were not going to go through the motions and that he saw things for what they were and began to "right the ship"!
Ultimately, my case went to trail. It was not because we wanted it too but because we had too. This is where Philip again set himself apart. The countless hours of preparation. The attention to detail. The chess match was on and during trial Philip was prepared for everything the other side had and then some.
The divorce process is the most agonizing thing a person can go through. You must have the right legal team to achieve your desired outcome. You need someone who knows the law and when to use it in your favor. Philip did this and engaged expert psychologists, forensic accountants, and the correct blend of witnesses to support our case. What you need in a lawyer is not someone who wants to "win at all costs"! What you need is someone who will be empathetic when needed and to be level headed at all times because you yourself will get in your own way (it's inevitable, it happens) and want to make decisions in an emotional state and Philip didn't allow that happen and he also told when I was fighting for something that just didn't make sense.
Lastly, going through a divorce is complicated, emotionally and mentally exhausting. You can not afford to just roll over and accept terms from the other party that are not equitable terms. The money I spent throughout this process it extremely painful, however the long term ramifications of a bad deal far outweigh the short term financial pain! It was and is worth every penny!!!
Respectfully,
Matt